Antique Walnut and Leather Reclining Library Lounge Chair by William Smee, 1850s

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Exceptionally rare english walnut and leather reclining library armchair, circa 1850, designed by william smee (1805–1890).

this extraordinary chair is … Read more Exceptionally rare english walnut and leather reclining library armchair, circa 1850, designed by william smee (1805–1890).

this extraordinary chair is a superb example of the increasingly sophisticated mechanical furniture produced during the mid-19th century. The magnificent walnut frame is boldly carved throughout with scrolling acanthus, anthemion and radiating fan ornament, with substantial turned front legs terminating in brass castors. The deeply buttoned leather upholstery has been fully restored, with the hide individually hand dyed, antiqued, waxed and sealed to create the wonderfully rich colour, depth and character associated with well-preserved period leather. The chair incorporates a remarkably ingenious early reclining system. Two concealed buttons positioned within the ends of the arms operate the reclining action, releasing the mechanism hidden beneath the padded arms, while an equally discreet pull-out footrest is concealed beneath the seat and can be deployed when required. Reclining chairs of this sophisticated mechanical type were still relatively novel during the first half of the 19th century; one of the earliest published british reclining-chair designs appeared in ackermann's repository of arts in 1813. A closely related chair designed by william smee and employing the same characteristic button-operated reclining mechanism and pull-out footrest is recorded by bada, which notes that a chair of this form was likely exhibited at the great exhibition of 1851. The design was subsequently illustrated in john braund's important 1858 publication documenting furniture from the great exhibitions of london and paris. William smee was a prominent london cabinetmaker and upholsterer based in moorfields, whose business subsequently traded as william smee & son and later w. A. Smee & son(s). The firm exhibited at the great exhibition of 1851 and subsequently at the london international exhibition of 1862 and paris exhibition of 1878, as well as supplying west end furnishing houses and provincial furniture makers. This chair has undergone a comprehensive professional restoration, with both the reclining mechanism and concealed footrest fully operational. The exceptional carving, ingenious mechanical construction, rarity and extraordinary decorative presence make this, in our opinion, a genuinely museum-quality example of mid-19th-century english furniture and one of the finest reclining library chairs of its type we have encountered.

dimensions height: 114cm width: 77cm depth: 87cm seat height: 45cm reclined, height 95cm, depth 124cm, footrest, height 44cm adjustable, width 40cm, depth 44cm, total depth front to back 171cm See less